Review: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass by Orchestra of the Music Makers

The Esplanade Concert Hall becomes a joyous megachurch for one night only. The Orchestra of the Music Makers takes its name from Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s poem Ode, inspired to remain movers and shakers as they dream, cultivate and create music each year. Celebrating both Bernstein’s centennial as well as the Orchestra of Music Makers’ 10th anniversary, last Saturday saw the Singapore premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s musical epic Mass. Combining multiple genres of music … Continue reading Review: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass by Orchestra of the Music Makers

Bernstein’s Mass: An Interview with Conductor Joshua Kangming Tan and Director Edith Podesta

As the Orchestra of the Music Makers commemorates their 10th anniversary in 2018, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a massive performance uniting some of the most diverse genres of music with composer Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Best known for composing West Side Story, Bernstein’s Mass brings together Broadway, jazz, Western art music, epic chorus, orchestral works and more in this ambitious undertaking, and in its Singaporean premiere, … Continue reading Bernstein’s Mass: An Interview with Conductor Joshua Kangming Tan and Director Edith Podesta

Preview: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass by Orchestra of the Music Makers

Is there anything that Edith Podesta cannot do? After dipping her toes into directing opera last year with Hansel and Gretel, the critically acclaimed theatremaker will once again be teaming up with the Orchestra of Music Makers this June to present the Southeast Asian premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. First composed in 1971 at the behest of Jacqueline Kennedy for the inauguration of the John F. … Continue reading Preview: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass by Orchestra of the Music Makers

Review: Masters of Comedy by Toy Factory

A loving tribute to Chinese comedians and comedy in all its forms.  In our childhood, we recall many nights glassy eyed and glued to the television while wolfing down our dinners. There’s a keen sense of nostalgia associated with the act of watching television, remembered mainly as a family activity and one of the few times we truly get to kick back, relax and just … Continue reading Review: Masters of Comedy by Toy Factory

Toy Factory’s Masters of Comedy: An Interview with Judee Tan and Sugie Phua

As part of the Singapore Chinese Culture Centre’s Cultural Extravaganza, local theatre company Toy Factory has been specially commissioned to create opening show Masters of Comedy 《天才谐星》, premiering this week! Directed by Goh Boon Teck and written by Johsen Ong, the 90 minute show will be performed in Mandarin, and pay tribute to some of our most iconic local comedians, from Bai Yan all the way to Jack … Continue reading Toy Factory’s Masters of Comedy: An Interview with Judee Tan and Sugie Phua

SIFA 2018: Concluding Thoughts on A New Director and A New Festival

Nobody likes change. Humans are very much creatures of habit, and when things get shaken up, we naturally feel a little uncomfortable. So it comes as no surprise that when Gaurav Kripalani was first announced to take over as the new Festival Director of the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA) from 2018-2020, many reflected upon his appointment with a little hesitation and some … Continue reading SIFA 2018: Concluding Thoughts on A New Director and A New Festival

The Esplanade Celebrates Mother’s Day with Concert for 1,600 Beneficiaries

Last Sunday, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay celebrated Mother’s Day with a special by-invitation-only concert for 1,600 beneficiaries from 40 Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs). Supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation for the second year, the one-hour concert was held at the Esplanade Concert Hall and featured some of the biggest hits from yesteryear, performed by popular singers such as veteran getai singer Josephine Lam, … Continue reading The Esplanade Celebrates Mother’s Day with Concert for 1,600 Beneficiaries

Voilah! 2018: Roots by Bellepoque (Review)

The Belle Epoque was the pinnacle of arts in Europe, literally the ‘Golden Age’. With a name like that, Bellepoque of course, strives for excellence in their productions, and to showcase just what is it that made the era such a fascinating and innovative time. In Roots, the team quite literally takes its audience back in time, presenting a series of pieces and works from famous composers … Continue reading Voilah! 2018: Roots by Bellepoque (Review)

Preview: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Cultural Extravaganza 2018

  Ever since its opening a year ago, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has seen a steady stream of programmes and an ever rising number of visitors as its visibility increases month on month. With the arrival of its first anniversary, the SCCC ushers in the second edition of the SCCC Cultural Extravaganza, as they celebrate and showcase the diversity and vibrancy of local … Continue reading Preview: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Cultural Extravaganza 2018

SIFA 2018: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani

As the latest person to take up the mantle of Festival Director for the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (SIFA), Gaurav Kripalani has faced his fair share of criticisms and doubts. But if there’s anything to go by, the numbers don’t lie, and this year’s edition of the festival has seen overwhelmingly positive demand, with multiple sold out shows and all around enthusiasm for … Continue reading SIFA 2018: An Interview with Festival Director Gaurav Kripalani